and is usually given at the time of the wedding or deferred until later. The gift becomes the wife's sole property for her to do with as she pleases. The gift can be in the form of property, jewellery or may even be a commitment to educate, such as a promise to teach the wife texts from the Holy Qur'an or to teach his bride to better herself by reading and writing.

Once the couple and the witnesses have signed the contract, the Imam pronounces them, before the congregation, man and wife by saying 'Salamat'. The ceremony concludes with the Imam offering up further prayers for the bride and groom, the local Muslim community and then for Muslims around the world.

Following the wedding rites, some Muslims opt for a few simple rituals at home and a celebratory meal at the bride's family house. For most, however, a celebratory wedding banquet will follow. This is called the Walima.

The Walima is a joyous celebration of the marriage, paid for by the husband. It allows the families time to get to know each other and serves as a public demonstration of the couple's union.

According to the teachings of the Qur'an, anyone invited to celebrate a marriage at a Walima should not refuse. Also, invitations should not be reserved only for the wealthy; poorer members of the community should also be invited as Islamic law embraces the importance of charity.

Learn more about this author, Janette Peel.
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